Bring Me To Life: Lyrics & English Translation
Hey guys! Ever wondered what the heck Evanescence's "Bring Me To Life" is all about? Or maybe you're just belting it out in the shower and want to know exactly what you're singing? Well, you've come to the right place! Let's dive deep into the lyrics of this iconic rock anthem and break down its meaning line by line. We'll explore the original English lyrics and then check out a handy translation to help you understand every nuance.
The Allure of "Bring Me To Life"
"Bring Me To Life" isn't just a song; it's an experience. Released in 2003 as part of the Daredevil soundtrack and later featured on Evanescence's debut album, Fallen, this track catapulted the band into the spotlight. The combination of Amy Lee's ethereal vocals, the driving instrumentals, and the song's emotionally charged lyrics created a perfect storm that resonated with listeners worldwide. But what makes the lyrics so captivating? It's the raw vulnerability, the yearning for connection, and the struggle against numbness that speaks to the listener. The song touches on themes of feeling lost, disconnected, and the hope of being awakened by something or someone real.
The lyrical content is so profound because it delves into universal human experiences. Everyone, at some point, has felt like they're going through the motions, living a life devoid of true emotion. "Bring Me To Life" captures this sentiment perfectly, offering a glimmer of hope that things can change, that awakening is possible. The song's success lies in its ability to tap into these deep-seated emotions and provide a sense of catharsis for the listener. It's not just a song to listen to; it's a song to feel.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Paul McCoy from 12 Stones added another layer to the song. His raw, almost desperate vocals provided a stark contrast to Amy Lee's soaring melodies, creating a dynamic interplay that amplified the song's emotional impact. It wasn't just a song about a woman's struggle; it became a dialogue, a plea for mutual understanding and rescue. This duality is a key element that has contributed to the song's enduring appeal. The fusion of female and male perspectives allows listeners to interpret the song in multiple ways, depending on their own experiences and emotions.
Decoding the Lyrics: English Version
Okay, let's break down the original English lyrics piece by piece. Get ready to rediscover this song with fresh eyes!
Verse 1
How can you see into my eyes, like open doors?
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb, without a soul
My spirit's sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there and lead it back home
The opening lines are incredibly powerful, right? Amy Lee sings about someone having the ability to see through her façade, like looking through open doors. This person can see into her core, where she's become numb and soulless. It's as if her spirit is lost and frozen, waiting to be found and brought back to life. The imagery of "open doors" suggests vulnerability and a willingness to be seen, even in her broken state. It sets the stage for a journey of emotional awakening and healing.
The phrase "numb, without a soul" is particularly striking. It conveys a sense of emptiness and disconnection from one's true self. This numbness can be a defense mechanism, a way to cope with pain or trauma. However, it also prevents genuine connection and joy. The lyrics express a longing to escape this state of emotional stagnation. The hope lies in someone else's ability to penetrate this numbness and reignite the spirit within.
Chorus
(Wake me up) Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside
(Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) Before I come undone
(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become
The chorus is the heart of the song, a desperate plea for rescue. The repetition of "Wake me up" emphasizes the urgency and the depth of her sleep. She's not just asking to be woken up physically; she's asking to be awakened emotionally and spiritually. The lines "Call my name and save me from the dark" and "Save me from the nothing I've become" highlight the fear of disappearing completely, of losing herself in the numbness.
The phrase "Bid my blood to run" is a powerful metaphor for restoring life and vitality. It's a call to action, a demand to be brought back from the brink of oblivion. The fear of coming undone suggests a fragility, a sense that she's barely holding on. The chorus is a raw and honest expression of vulnerability and the need for someone to intervene and pull her back from the edge. It's a universal cry for help that resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost or disconnected.
Verse 2
Now that I know what I'm without
You can't just leave me
Now that I know what I'm about
You can't just leave me
These lines mark a turning point. There's a realization that she now knows what she's been missing – the ability to feel, to connect, to be alive. Now that she's glimpsed this possibility, she can't bear the thought of being abandoned. It's a plea for commitment and a recognition of her own worth. The repetition emphasizes the importance of this newfound awareness and the fear of losing it.
The shift from passive to active voice is significant here. In the beginning, she was waiting to be found and rescued. Now, she's asserting her needs and demanding that she not be left behind. This newfound confidence is a sign of growth and a willingness to fight for her own well-being. The lyrics express a sense of empowerment, a refusal to return to the numbness and isolation of the past.
Bridge (Paul McCoy's Part)
Bring me to life
I've been living a lie
There's nothing inside
You can't just leave me
Paul McCoy's contribution adds a crucial layer. He echoes the sentiment of living a lie and feeling empty inside. His plea, "Bring me to life," reinforces the central theme of the song. The repetition of "You can't just leave me" underscores the mutual dependence and the shared need for rescue. It's no longer just her struggle; it's a shared experience.
The bridge serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle against numbness and disconnection is not unique. It's a universal human experience that transcends gender and background. The call-and-response between Amy Lee and Paul McCoy creates a sense of solidarity, a feeling that they are in this together. This mutual vulnerability strengthens the song's emotional impact and reinforces its message of hope and connection.
"Bring Me To Life" Lyrics Translation
To really grasp the depth of the song, sometimes it helps to see a direct translation. Here’s a breakdown to help you get an even clearer picture:
Verse 1 Translation
Bagaimana kau bisa melihat ke dalam mataku, seperti pintu terbuka?
Membawamu masuk ke dalam diriku yang paling dalam
Di mana aku menjadi sangat mati rasa, tanpa jiwa
Jiwaku tertidur di suatu tempat yang dingin
Hingga kau menemukannya di sana dan membawanya kembali ke rumah
Chorus Translation
(Bangunkan aku) Bangunkan aku dari dalam
(Aku tak bisa bangun) Bangunkan aku dari dalam
(Selamatkan aku) Sebut namaku dan selamatkan aku dari kegelapan
(Bangunkan aku) Perintahkan darahku mengalir
(Aku tak bisa bangun) Sebelum aku hancur
(Selamatkan aku) Selamatkan aku dari kehampaan yang telah menjadi diriku
Verse 2 Translation
Sekarang aku tahu apa yang hilang dariku
Kau tak bisa begitu saja meninggalkanku
Sekarang aku tahu siapa diriku
Kau tak bisa begitu saja meninggalkanku
Bridge Translation
Hidupkan aku
Aku telah hidup dalam kebohongan
Tidak ada apa-apa di dalam
Kau tak bisa begitu saja meninggalkanku
Why This Song Still Matters
Even after all these years, "Bring Me To Life" continues to resonate with audiences. The themes of isolation, numbness, and the desire for connection are timeless and universal. The song reminds us that it's okay to feel vulnerable and to ask for help. It's a testament to the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to connect us to something larger than ourselves.
So, next time you hear "Bring Me To Life," take a moment to really listen to the lyrics. Let the raw emotion wash over you and remember that you're not alone in your struggles. And who knows, maybe this song will be the thing that helps bring you to life!
